GameJamPlus has begun accepting applications from universities, studios and other organisations to host local venues for its 11th edition, an eight-month global game development competition set for 2026/27
GameJamPlus, one of the world's largest game development competitions, has officially opened its call for local organisers ahead of its 11th edition, scheduled for the 2026/27 season. The event is seeking universities, game studios, innovation hubs, coworking spaces, public institutions, NGOs and other organisations interested in supporting and growing their local game development communities. Successful applicants will become Fellows, responsible for hosting the opening stage of the competition in their city or region and guiding local teams through the initial phase of the event.
How GameJamPlus Works
Unlike traditional game jams, GameJamPlus is structured as an international competition spanning approximately eight months. The process is divided into five stages, beginning with the local Game Jam and progressing through mentorship, business validation, pitching, and networking opportunities. Teams are supported not only in developing their prototypes but also in refining their projects for market potential, with access to industry mentors and connections to the wider international games sector.
Opportunities for Local Hosts
Organisations that become Fellows will join a global network dedicated to strengthening the game development ecosystem. Their main responsibility is to run the first stage of the competition locally, providing resources, support and a platform for aspiring developers. The previous edition of GameJamPlus marked its tenth anniversary with in-person continental semifinals and a Global Final in Brasília, bringing together developers, publishers, investors and educators from dozens of countries. This international reach is set to expand further in the upcoming edition.
Application Details and Industry Context
Applications for hosting a local Venue are now open via the official GameJamPlus website. The organisers have not specified a closing date for applications, but interested parties are encouraged to apply early to secure their place in the 2026/27 cycle. The competition's format and extended timeline distinguish it from shorter, more traditional jams, offering a more comprehensive development and networking experience. For those interested in the broader landscape of global game showcases and developer events, recent coverage of the Pixel Arcadia Showcase, which highlighted over 50 retro titles and the return of Terranigma, provides additional context on the growing diversity of industry events worldwide. See the full report here.
GameJamPlus is designed to help teams move beyond the prototype stage, focusing on mentorship, business development and international networking. This approach aims to bridge the gap between early-stage concepts and commercially viable games, offering a structured pathway for new talent to enter the industry. The competition's multi-stage format and emphasis on business skills set it apart from most game jams, which typically conclude after a single weekend of development.
Early access to industry mentorship and business validation is a core feature of GameJamPlus. In the context of game development, mentorship refers to guidance from experienced professionals who can advise on design, production, marketing and pitching. Business validation involves testing whether a game concept has real market potential, often through feedback from publishers, investors or other industry figures. These elements are increasingly important for teams aiming to turn prototypes into successful commercial releases, especially in a competitive global market.
